Queereaders discussion

Am I the only one here that has problems with looking their age? I look ten years younger than I am. I have always looked younger than I am since about 11 or so, but I just don't seem to pass for my age, its getting harder as years go by. I know a lot of people tell me that I should be flattered and that when I'm older I'll be happy that I don't look my age, but right now it sucks. When I go to a job interview, before I even have to explain that I'm transgendered, I have to explain and convince, that yes, I am old enough to work there. I can't buy ciggarettes or alcohol most of the time because people think that while my ID is real, that it must not be mine. When I go out in public with my girlfriend, I often get asked if I'm visiting my older sister. My girlfriend was once asked if I was her son. I've been asked why I'm not in school by police officers before.
I try to dress my age, I shave my face but I don't get a five oclock shadow (yet)...I just don't know what else to do to appear my age.

I tend to look a bit younger but I think that is ok for me, as I am 44, but I don't usually get lower than mid to late thirties. Or people might just be trying to be nice. I think it would be harder if they constantly thought you were underage.. but I am well past that hurdle.

I'm 47 and friends for life with the new temporary assistant who works upstairs from me. I was getting a cup of tea in the cafeteria this morning and we got talking about movies, which then turned to how many years I worked at the company, which really shocked her because she thought I was no more than 35.

A couple of years ago one of the guys repairing our roof at work asked me out. My wedding band and age didn't seem to deter him, and I wasn't sure whether to be flattered or insulted. Since he looked no older than 28, I settled for being flattered and politely declined.

I get told often that people are surprised when I tell them my age. It did cause some problems getting a job when I was younger (in my 20's) but now people tend to think I'm in my 30's, so it works.

I'm 24 and I look underage. People don't generally refuse to sell me alcohol, though - they just give me weird looks. I fully expect to be carded until I'm 80.

People have thought my little sister (4 years younger) is the older one ever since she surpassed me in height at the age of 10.

The most awkward is when I'm out with my partner and people think she's my mother or much-older sister. (She really doesn't look old enough to be my mother... we're the same age.)

My brother is four years younger than me too and I've looked like his younger sibling since I was in middle school so, he was still in elementary school at the time.

"people tell me that I should be flattered and that when I'm older I'll be happy that I don't look my age"

I know exactly how you feel. I'm 18 and I look 13 or 14. I'd rather look my age now and look 40 when I'm 40 than have looking younger then to look forward to; I really wish people would stop telling me things like that.

I can't get into R-rated movies, I get asked why I'm not in school (which I guess is fair enough since I graduated early but...gah!) and I'm always assumed to be the younger sister or much younger friend when I'm out, despite the fact that I'm actually a year OLDER than my best friend.

I guess it's mostly because I'm short...if I was taller I would probably look my age, but I'm only 5'2". But come on, my mom is the same height and people don't think she's 12!

Dylan, I think part of you looking younger might be that boys look more feminine when they are young.

Hello Dylan,
I must say your are blessed. Don't let it get to you
so much one day you might look back and miss those days of looking younger. I'm 45 and people tell me I look younger, because of my height my nephew calls me a jr high school kid. I laugh, say thank you and move on and call it a blessing.

I've looked younger than my age all my life. It bothered me when I was much younger, especially in my teens when I got teased constantly. I was carded for my I.D until my mid-forties. I'm fifty now, and finally, I'm LOVING the fact that I look younger. I realize it can be very tough on those much younger, but I'm sure you've heard the old saying, "be careful what you wish for..."

I know it's true when they say be careful with what you wish for. To all the young looking older gents and gals. Smile your beautiful on the outside, lets keep it beautiful inside too. For the inside is what really counts.

Blessed Day After Day Children